The Nigeria Police Force has pledged its support for the Police Community Relations Committee’s plan to mobilise 10,000 volunteers. These volunteers will help protect schools across the country as part of the PCRC Safe Schools Initiative.
According to Vanguard, the Force made the commitment during an official visit by its spokesperson, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu. This visit was to the PCRC National Secretariat in Abuja and further highlighted the importance of the PCRC Safe Schools Initiative.
Iniedu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the committee for launching its Safe Schools Initiative. He also praised their work on strengthening cooperation between the police and communities.
He described the initiative as a timely intervention. Moreover, it aligned with the Force’s efforts to protect pupils, teachers and educational facilities through the ongoing PCRC Safe Schools Initiative.
“I thank you for your persistence. I thank you for your patience. If you had not been persistent and patient, the PCRC would not have remained as strong as it is today,” Iniedu said.
The Force spokesperson also praised the PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan. He commended his commitment to supporting community policing programmes.
In addition, he thanked the committee for donating cameras to Police Public Relations Officers, including his office. He said the equipment would improve public communication and help the Force share information about its activities.
Iniedu promised to continue supporting and participating in PCRC programmes throughout his tenure as Force Public Relations Officer.
Earlier, Olaniyan said the committee planned to mobilise 10,000 volunteers across Nigeria to work with the police. They would also work with community leaders and other security stakeholders.
He explained that the volunteers would support efforts to protect schools, particularly those located in remote and vulnerable communities. Importantly, this support is a core goal of the PCRC Safe Schools Initiative.
The initiative would also promote the installation of Closed-Circuit Television cameras in selected schools to strengthen surveillance. This would help to discourage criminal attacks.
Olaniyan described Disu as a police leader committed to openness, collaboration and community policing.
He also announced that construction of the PCRC National Headquarters was progressing. The committee expected to complete and commission the building in December.
According to him, members resolved to name the headquarters after the Inspector-General of Police. This is in recognition of his support for the committee and community policing.
Olaniyan added that the building would include a dedicated office for the Force Public Relations Officer. This aims to strengthen cooperation between the police and the PCRC.
The committee said the partnership would improve school security and deepen community policing. Furthermore, the PCRC Safe Schools Initiative will continue to build public trust and encourage citizens to participate actively in protecting their communities.
